The dramatic renovation and extension of a Victorian homestead near Timaru aptly showcases the broad capabilities of Nolan Building, owner Daniel Nolan says.
The company, a multiple Master Builders House of the Year award-winning business, has developed a reputation as one of the leading construction businesses in Timaru, South Canterbury and the Mackenzie Country through the workmanship of its team of highly skilled tradesmen.
Daniel says he was excited about the possibilities of the project when he first saw the grand two-story brick rural homestead on a farm at Kingsdown, south of Timaru.
“It was a one in ten year opportunity to be involved in something of that nature,” Daniel says. The client’s developed the original concept of the renovation design in collaboration with their son, an architectural graduate.
Parts of the house had previously been modernised, but all the original kauri doors, trim, architraves, skirting and fibrous plaster ceiling were intact.
Final documentation was drawn by Draftline, Timaru; this required considerable engineering input due to the amount of structural steel required in the renovation, with the project being 130sqm.
Incorporated in the renovation is an open plan lounge and dining area which backs on to the kitchen which is within the original structure.
The kitchen design was also a family concept, with input from McMaster Joinery, Waimate, who manufactured and installed the kitchen.
The renovation has made the kitchen a dramatic showpiece and includes Timaru Bluestone pillars – a natural, machined local stone – and is framed above by vertical cedar to a height of 4.2 metres on what was previously an exterior wall.
Self supporting steel beams were attached to the homestead and a large skylight reflecting natural light on to the timber brings plenty of ambient light inside.
Warmth is provided by underfloor heating and a suspended woodburner.
A cantilevered roof with timber beams extends over the patio area and a covered concourse was also added to an exterior wall to enable sheltered access to the garage.
Although the interior of the renovation is essentially contemporary, it has been skillfully married into the house, especially with the use of richly stained cedar, and on the exterior recycled red bricks which are a perfect match for the stately house. “It has created a great family gathering area, for relaxing dining and entertaining.
“It feels very cosy and homely; it’s got quite an ambience about it.” The abundant woodwork incorporated in the project required considerable attention to detail, Daniel says.
“We love detail and finishing work, we love working with timber and anything that’s outside of normal and that challenges us; it’s very rewarding and we take real pride in our work. Something like this project is pretty special.
“It shows what we are capable of doing. We knew wholeheartedly going into it that we were well capable of producing a high quality result.”
This article was brought to you in association with the following businesses…
- Nolan Painting Ltd
- Wilson & Robinson Limited
